Despite the devastation and destruction pancreatic cancer leaves in its path, it cannot dampen the human spirit and our commitment to unite together to fight for better outcomes for our patients.
Thursday, Nov. 17, known as World Pancreatic Cancer Day, is a day set aside to showcase this spirit and unity. It was created by the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, made up of 62 pancreatic cancer organizations representing 24 countries from around the globe.
Now in its third year, World Pancreatic Cancer Day brings global attention to pancreatic cancer by highlighting the need for greater awareness, funding and research. Collectively we will raise our voices against a disease with the lowest survival rate of any major cancer.
Globally, pancreatic cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related death in men and women combined. Only 2 to 10 percent of those diagnosed around the world survive five years.
Though the statistics are grim, because of the tremendous work of World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition members, public outreach and visibility for the disease continue to grow.
It is my honor to serve as the chair of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and work with my colleagues from around the world to collectively join together to drive transformational change for all those affected by pancreatic cancer. By coming together, we are able to leverage each of our strengths and accelerate progress.
Nov. 17 is an opportunity to elevate our cause to new heights, educate the public about pancreatic cancer and direct individuals to their local pancreatic cancer organization to volunteer and donate. With more people taking action, pancreatic cancer survival rates can, and will, improve.
On behalf of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, I urge you to please wear purple on Nov. 17 and raise your voice on social media using #WPCD and #WageHope.
Join us, and together we will champion a brighter future for pancreatic cancer patients.
*Special thanks to our World Pancreatic Cancer Day and World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition supporters, including founding sponsor Celgene Corporation, Lilly Oncology, AbbVie, Shire, Halozyme Therapeutics and Novartis Oncology.
